In this groundbreaking book, drummer/producer Mark Colenburg creates a new template for the art of hip-hop drumming. Along the way, he explains and demonstrates many of the concepts used in creating beats in modern hip-hop, R&B and pop drumming and programming—and then shows how to apply these concepts to your own playing.

With a focus on legendary hip-hop producer J Dilla and his unique way of combining styles and creating rhythms, Mark looks at specific aspects of drumming technique, groove, and creativity. These include warm-ups, beat patterns, musical swag, performance concepts, improvisation, and chops. He then puts everything together and demonstrates his own signature beats that are an amalgamation of all these aspects.

“The goal I had in mind was to demystify Dilla and other hip-hop producers’ concepts as basic beats and show how intricate they are, “says Colenburg, “And then show that it can have great applications in playing live drums.”